Guitar Lessons: Finger Independance

This exercise is very similar to the alternate picking exercise, in that it is alternate picked and kinda chromatic (although it doesn’t have to be). The big difference here, however, is that the shape requires you to change strings- which, with practice, will help your fingers become more independent and agile.

Click here if you can’t see the video

…and here is the tab (opens in new window).

String Skipping

In the first variation of this exercise, your first finger needs to move from the D string up to the G string on the same fret in order to play the last note. This is one step on from the chromatic exercises that have you playing up and done along one string at a time because as you progress through each variation you’re crossing strings with a different finger.

Each time you play a note on the G string with a single finger, that finger needs to be independent enough to move away from the others and fret the note without bringing your other fingers with it. The first few times you try this, you may find that your fingers have trouble separating (especially your third finger)- and this will either prevent you from getting the note on the G string, or give you trouble coming back to the D string.

Don’t worry if this is difficult at first, I mean, that’s the whole point of the exercise: to eventually make this easy.

One Finger per Fret

As (almost) always, when you play this exercise, try to stick to the “one finger per fret” approach, because this produces the best economy of motion. This means if you’re playing from the forth fret, your first finger plays the notes on that fret, your second finger is for the fifth fret, third finger for sixth fret etc,. This position will also help to emphasise that you only move one finger across to the G string when you need the note, and your little finger should stay hovering over the D string, seventh fret, ready for the next note.

For this exercise there is no exception to this rule- even when you play the seventh fret, G string you should be using your little finger (you roll it across from one string to the next- a bit like a barre but without holding both notes down). You want to make sure that it’s your fingers that are moving, and not your hand; your hand should be kept in one place for the whole exercise (no twisting, or rolling to “help” your fingers reach).

Rhythmic Variation

If you want to make the best of this exercise (and, also prevent yourself from becoming bored), there are a number of ways that you can build on the basic idea to come up with your own variations. Working out variations this way will obviously improve what you’re capable of technically on guitar, but some -especially with this exercise- can also improve your musicality (what a bonus!).

In the video I demonstrate some of the variations that I’ve come up with for the exercise. Namely: skipping an extra string (so instead of playing between the D and G strings, you play between the D and B strings); playing in odd rhythmic divisions (this is the one that’ll improve your musicality because, to me, the exercise can be played as either 3 or 4 notes per beat, but you can try any number you like!); and playing the exercise “backwards” (this one I actually totally make up on the spot in the video, and it’s more like playing it “upsidown” than “backwards” because I play it on the D and A strings- with the single note being on the A string instead of the G string).

Discuss

Have you used this exercise? How did you find it? I would also be interested if anyone has made up any further variations on this exercise- what about playing it with hammer-ons and pull offs? or tapping? How about fingerpicked?

If you come up with an interesting variation on this, or even just have a question, leave your comment below. I’m looking forward to responses.

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Rob.

January 28, 2010 at 2:31 pm | Guitar Technique and Exercises | No comments

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